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The Bears won a football game at home on Sunday for the first time since September 25, 2022 — 392 excruciating football days ago. Tyson Bagent made his first-ever NFL start. D’Onta Foreman ran with purpose. The Bears defense looked like an actual defense getting three turnovers and not committing any. There was a lot to like!
With that let’s get to the grades …
Tyson Bagent followed the game plan. Bagent found his checkdowns all afternoon long and was able to extend drives on 3rd down with key throws. The Bears finished 8-13 on 3rd down, by far their best conversion rate of the season.
Prior to Sunday, the Bears had not finished over 50 percent on 3rd down conversions in any game. Their previous best was 6-12 against Denver.
The Bears held the ball 8:10 longer than the Raiders controlling the clock. Bagent only threw for 162 yards, but the offense’s efficiency stood out.
QB2 deserved the game ball he received from Matt Eberflus.
Welcome to the Chicago Bears D’Onta Foreman. Wow!
Foreman ran through, around, up and over would be Raider tacklers letting Eberflus and company know that he is worthy of more playing time even when Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson return. Foreman averaged 5.6 ypc on 16 attempts for 89 impressive yards. Foreman scored 3 times, twice on the ground once through the air showing nifty moves and power to get to the endzone. More D’Onta please.
Darrynton Evans ran hard for 48 more yards and even Tyler Scott picked up 14 yards on a reverse and a motion play. The Bears controlled the clock courtesy of their dominant ground game.
Three receivers caught passes from Bagent along with TE Marcedes Lewis getting one ball, his second catch of the year. DJ Moore made himself available on third down as did Tyler Scott for a key catch across the middle. Moore led all receivers with 8 catches. Cole Kmet did not have a catch nor did Robert Tonyan but that will not last while Bagent remains the QB. The ball should continue to be spread around. This group did not benefit from the Bears conservative game plan.
Too many penalties or this group was in line for a higher grade . Larry Borom was called for holding twice, Teven Jenkins once. Jenkins performed well overall moving back to right guard. Darnell Wright held his own when he was matched up with Maxx Crosby. Lucas Patrick had one of his better games leading with his energy and downfield blocks. There was yet another false start penalty.
The Bears defense looks a lot better, but there is still not enough pressure up front. Justin Jones has been flashing more often and had the lone sack on the day. Gervon Dexter Sr., Zacch Pickens, Yannick Ngakoue and Rasheem Green all finished with one tackle. Tremaine Edmunds was able to grab his first interception as a Bear, 6th overall. Edmunds’ pick led to a short field and the Bears taking a 14-0 lead midway through the 2nd quarter. T.J. Edwards and Jack Sanborn combined for only three tackles, which will never ever happen again for those 2.
Jaylon Johnson had a day to remember with two interceptions, including a pick-6. Johnson came into the game with one career interception. He now has three and wants to get paid by the Bears gesturing at Ryan Poles asking for his money. Johnson was also called for pass interference that cost the Bears 46 yards.
Jaquan Brisker led the Bears with 10 tackles. Kyler Gordon got a QB hit on blitz. Tyrique Stevenson acquitted himself well on a number of balls matched up with Davante Adams for a good portion of the afternoon. The secondary remains the strength of the Bears.
Cairo Santos ended his perfect 2023 when he had a PAT blocked. It did not matter at all as the Bears were up 30-6. Santos boomed a 54-yard field goal and has not missed a FG in 322 days dating back to last December against Green Bay. Santos is worthy of team MVP votes.
Velus Jones Jr. did not fumble. Trenton Gill continued to punt the ball efficiently. This group continued its rock solid performance of 2023.
Luke Getsy created a game plan to win with Tyson Bagent. I would like to see Getsy be more aggressive with the offense but understand the walk-before-you-run philosophy. The Bears committed 9 more penalties for 110 yards which is not apart of the H.I.T.S. principle. Getsy and Eberflus could also made better use of the clock at the end of the first half when the Bears seemed content to go into the locker room up 14-3. Overall, it was a good day for the coaching staff who had a 1-5 team ready to compete.
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